This thread will deal a bit more on the practical side, but might prove to be interesting. A number of new movies have been released recently ... as is usually the case around Christmas. It might be helpful if we could "review" ones we have seen, and make whatever recommendations we feel comfortable with in this regard.

I would hope that we could keep this tread practical and positive. I, for one, don't care to be "attacked" because I choose to view a particular movie. I believe we can all give our OPINIONS regarding the different flicks without attacking others for having different OPINIONS than we might have.

I say this having once served at a congregation where one of the elders held a dim view of most movies, and of attending movies all together. He (and his wife) were very quick to verbally attack anyone who would watch a movie (or TV program) not to their liking. It was a sad affair, to say the least. That being said, let's get on with it. Our family has seen three flicks in the last few weeks:

1. Stuart Little Great family film. Fairly follows the story line from the book, but does "update" a couple of things. Lots of fun, and a great movie for the family. One we will pick up for the Combs' library when it is available. I believe it is rated PG, though could have a G rating.

2. Toy Story 2 One of the few sequels that is far and away better than the original, and I really enjoyed the first one. Part of the reason for this is the advances in computer film making 'tween the two flicks. Also, they really play off the "characters" developed by each of the different toys. Also, many subtle references to a number of other films ... subtle, but very funny. Rating: either a G or PG, not sure.

3. Millennium Man Another great work by Robin Williams. It is rated PG, but this is not a movie for small children ... some language and adult situations, but even more than that, they will be bored. It is about 2 hours 20 minutes long. A fantasy film for sure, but one that raises some interesting issues, especially in the area of artificial intelligence. It also deals with differences between people (color, language, etc.) by showing the differences between robot and humans.

So ... have YOU seen any movies recently? Darrell H Combs

-- Anonymous, December 24, 1999

Answers

Brother Kelley....

My wife and I are also anxious to rent and view the Matrix.

Recently, a number of people have told us about the "deep philosophical" truths contained in the movie that underscore some things we as Christians already knew.

This morning, I saw an advertisment for the movie in which the person said..."Welcome to the real world."

This is a perfect underscoring of the fact that this world is an "illusion" put on by Satan....and the "real world" is the spiritual world in which Ephesians states there is a battle going on.

I'll let you know when I get a chance to see it.

-- Anonymous, December 26, 1999

Well.....

I finally saw "The Matrix" tonight.

Whoa!!! Deep stuff!!!

Just a good...entertaining movie the makes you think deeply about the nature of reality.

Thanks for the recommend.....from those who recommeded it.

-- Anonymous, January 18, 2000

My wife and kids saw Toy Story 2, they loved it. My son's favorite character is Buz Lightyear. There are some movies that I would like to see- the last Movie I saw is not a just released film- but it is new on video it is the Matrix, which is good and has some spiritual aspects that you can relate to Christianity especially to teens who have seen it. The bad about the movie is language and violence.

-- Anonymous, December 26, 1999

The Matrix A very interesting flick. There are some spiritual truths brought out, but I won't speak to them until ya'll see the movie. Rent it soon (I also think it is on pay-per-view on cable or Dish network this month).

Besides the spiritual aspect, the special effects are fantastic! They used a fairly new process of video/movie along with hundreds of still cameras arranged around the scene ... great stuff.
Darrell H Combs

-- Anonymous, December 26, 1999

My wife and I love to go to the movies so we have seen many.

1. Millennium Man - This movie was long and slow. There was several funny parts but expected much more. Not one of Robins best films. The time span changed constantly, amost 100 years but remarkably everything looked the same.

2. The Talented Mr. Ripley - Most people will not like this one but I thought it had a wild story. Some strong language and a one second nudity shot of a male actor. There is no movie like this one. I was constantly wondering what was going to happen. But I did not like the Homosexual references of two actors. But not much was done with that line.

3. The Bone Collector - Lot of bloodly pictures and death. Story line was great. Good thriller and suspense movie.

4. Arlington Rd. - Rent this one. This was a lot of fun to watch. You may think it is predictable until you get to the end. This movie will make you think about who your neighbor is.

-- Anonymous, December 27, 1999

I saw STEWART LITTLE today with my family... for my six year old girl it was boring and I agree with her. There are times when the movie dragged a "little". Also, the cats in the movie often cursed using the "D" word and "Hell" which for a kids movie should not be. But I guess that is unholywood for you.

-- Anonymous, December 27, 1999

I saw GalaxyQuest the other day. A very funny movie, especially if you are a Star Trek fan; it's a very clever send-up of the whole Star Trek phenomenon. There was no foul language that I noticed, no sex, and the violence was typical Star Trek fare. It was a fish-out-of- water story, where the actors of a Trek-like TV show were mistaken by aliens for real astronauts, and the emphasis was on the group of them learning cooperation, trust, confidence, courage, and respect under adversity. Unsure what it was rated; probably PG.

-- Anonymous, January 07, 2000

If you work in an office and/or are a software techie, go rent "Office Space." Some very good laughs. The only foul language I noticed was in the background rap music.

-- Anonymous, January 08, 2000